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Bill

HB 290

Real property conveyance; authorize 18 year olds to contract for.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Sanford

Lower Mississippi's real property contracting age from 21 to 18, enabling 18-year-olds to independently buy, sell, or lease real estate.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 290

Legislative bill overview

HB 290 would lower the legal age of majority for real property transactions in Mississippi from 21 to 18 years old, allowing 18-year-olds to independently enter into binding contracts for buying, selling, or leasing real estate. This aligns Mississippi's property law with the federal age of majority and the age of majority already established in most other states for general contract purposes.

Why is this important

This change would affect young adults' access to homeownership, rental agreements, and real estate investment at an earlier age. It could facilitate first-time homebuying for younger adults and streamline real estate transactions by eliminating the need for parental co-signatures or court approval for legally adult individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer protection concerns: Real estate transactions involve substantial financial commitments; critics may argue 18-year-olds lack sufficient financial experience and maturity to protect themselves from predatory lending or unfavorable contracts
  • Consistency arguments: Supporters note Mississippi requires parental consent for property contracts at 18 while allowing 18-year-olds to vote, serve in the military, and sign other binding contracts—raising fairness questions
  • Lender and title company practices: Implementation could require changes to underwriting standards, title insurance practices, and lending protocols that currently assume adult real estate parties are 21+

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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